Unlike Maneesh Sharma’s Fan Andhra King Taluka does a much better job in using the emotional bond between a devotee and his favorite actor. Ram Pothineni finally gets a noteworthy part, and the actor does a very good in portraying the different nuances. Upendra in an important supporting role lends gravity as Sagar’s idol. The heartfelt conversations between the two is the soul of Andhra King Taluka. At the same time the underwritten love story plays a major spoilsport
Starcast: Ram Pothineni, Upendra, Bhagyashri Borse, Rao Ramesh, Murali Sharma and others
Genre: Drama/romance
Director and writer: Mahesh Babu Pachigolla
Producers: Naveen Yerneni and Yalamanchili Ravi Shankar
Production house: Mythri movie Makers
Music: Vivek Mervin
Cinematography: Siddartha Nuni and George C Williams
Running time: 2 hours and 43 minutes
There is something magical about the bond shared by a fan with his favorite actor or actress. You may never meet that person and he or she will probably never know about your existence. But the influence of the characters played by an actor that you adore stays permanently. This can be both positive and negative depending on the audience mindset. Movies about fans and their favorite stars have been made previously too but Andhra King Taluka holds a certain novelty. The freshness majorly comes from how Ram’s Sagar learns many life lessons from the on-screen characters of his idol. How the paths of Ram and Upendra meet leading to a heartfelt conversation is touching.
The story of Andhra King Taluka begins with the introduction of Upendra’s Surya. A major star going through a financial crisis now. His 100th movie is shelved and some people are after him to give the money back. At this crucial point a large amount is deposited in Surya’s account in the name of Sagar. Surya is curious about the identity of Sagar and on some research, it is found that Sagar is the president of fan’s association called Andhra King Taluka. Surya decides to meet Sagar personally leading to a life changing journey.
A strong aspect of Andhra King Taluka is the depiction of fan mania. Yes, Sagar’s excessive devotion towards Surya may across as melodramatic for some but anyone remotely aware of how fandom plays out will understand Sagar’s extreme love. There is an important flashback too explaining Sagar’s nervous issues. How in moments of fear he starts to stutter. A major reason for Sagar becoming more confident are the movies of Surya with numerous life lessons.
This gives an important emotional edge unlike Fan which portrayed fanism in a negative light. The issues of Sagar’s village in East Godavari and how the hero decides to make things better is also interesting. Its connected to Bhagyashri Borse’s Mahalakshmi. The romance between the two is severely underdeveloped nevertheless Bhagyashri Borse has a charming presence. The love ballad Nuvvante Chale featuring the two makes for a soothing listen and watch.
Andhra King Taluka also benefits from some strong dialogues written by Mahesh Babu Pachigolla himself. For example, there is a portion where Upendra says I may not be aware of who Sagar is but it’s because of fans like him that I am here. Similarly, the climax portion where Sagar talks about the numerous lessons Surya has given him is also touching.
The cinematography of Siddartha Nuni and George C Williams is eye pleasing. The visuals are in perfect sync with the movie’s feel-good tone. The music is also of a good order. The songs especially Nuvantee Chaley and Chinni Gundelo stand out for its melody and the colorful palette.
Ram as already said is top notch in the role of Sagar: whether it’s the devotion of a fan or the more intense moments like the fantastic pre interval block with Murali Sharma. Apart from Upendra Rao Ramesh as Sagar’s father also stands out especially in the scene where he backs up his son’s plans.
Coming to the flaws the love story as already said is severely undercooked. More scenes between Ram and Bhagyashri Borse would have enhanced the romantic parts. More so given the deep love that Sagar has for Mahalakshmi. There is also a moment with Sagar sacrificing something deeply emotional for an actor whom he has never met. This will appear silly for a section of audiences.
Final word: Andhra King Taluk makes for a nice feel-good movie especially if you have been a die-hard fan of any actor or actress.